Hornady's New Zombie Match

It's not as if I wished I lived in Nebraska instead of Southern California. Okay, maybe during hunting season, but that's about it. However, with the news that Hornady is bringing out a new zombie match — Zombies in the Heartland — Pandemic 2012 — I may change my mind.

First, an important note: This 3-gun zombie match, jointly sponsored by the ammo company and the Nebraska National Guard, is limited to 350 entrants and has two registration days. Registration for the VIZ (Very Important Zombie slayer) category opened May 1. For $275 you're registered for all competitive and side match stages, plus you get one commemorative box of ammunition, a commemorative t-shirt, lunch on both days, and a bug-out bag stuffed with goods.

On May 14, registration opens for the ZS (Zombie Slayer) category. Fee is $165 and includes category entry into the eight competitive stages, lunch on both days, and a bug-out-bag.

The zombie match will feature eight competitive stages, and six side match stages. Event sponsors will provide many new and reactive zombie targets developed specifically for this match, with most targets falling over, moving, or exploding. Shooters will be required to compete with pistol, rifle and shotgun. For a complete list of rules / equipment requirements, please go to the Zombie Guide (aka Rules and Regulations).

"We want competitors to enjoy a unique, surreal environment while showcasing their 3-gun skills," said Hornady's Neil Davies. "With a prize table of $110,000 in sponsor merchandise (and growing), Pandemic 2012 promises to attract shooters from all over the country."

Awards will be made in three divisions. Pro Zombie Slayer is essentially an open division. No capacity restrictions on rifle, pistol or shotgun, and optics are permitted on rifles and handguns.

Tactical Zombie Slayer division allows a single optic on rifle only and a maximum handgun magazine length of 140 mm. Maximum magazine capacity on rifle is 30 rounds. Shotguns may be loaded to a maximum of nine rounds.

Almost A Victim Zombie Slayer division allows an optic on the rifle, iron-sighted handgun and a semiauto or pump shotgun restricted to five-round capacity.

An optional Charity CQB Shoot House, sponsored by the Nebraska Army National Guard, will feature a maze of walls, smoke, lights and sound, and reactive zombie targets. Competitors will be armed with an airsoft M-4 with green laser and over 100 rounds of airsoft ammunition. Access to the Shoot House costs an additional $5, with proceeds donated to a military charity. Others interested in sponsoring various aspects of the zombie match can do so beginning May 12.

This looks like a hugely fun zombie match, and I'm jealous. And come to think about it, those Heartland folks have one other advantage over us Californians. I live near the coast, so if the zombie hordes come, my back will be to the ocean. And with California's stupid magazine capacity restriction, I'll have only 10-rounders in my AR to fight them off. Better buy a boat, I guess.

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